Detroit Announces $90 Million 'Reclaim the Rivers' Cleanup as Wayne County Backs Google Data Center Incentives

State and local leaders have announced a new waterway cleanup effort in Detroit, called "Reclaim the Rivers," which will direct close to $90 million toward restoring the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers. The announcement was reported Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

The money will pay for removing toxic sediment, restoring fish habitat and carrying out public works projects along both waterways. It comes from settlements with polluters, and officials say it could draw in additional federal and private funding. Both rivers are designated federal areas of concern for the Great Lakes region.

Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson said some of the cleanup work is already underway and that the added funding should open up more of the river for use. "Now that we have our federal and state partners coming in with the resources to be able to help, you can see what the results are and how families are flocking," he said. Benson added that as more spaces are cleaned up and opened to recreation, more families can come enjoy the riverfront.

In other local news, Wayne County commissioners voted unanimously to support a package of community benefits and tax incentives for a proposed Google data center in Van Buren Township. County Executive Warren Evans had vetoed the incentives, arguing that Google's proposal for the large facility gave officials too little time to study its environmental impact.

Commissioner Allen Wilson, who holds the Equal Opportunity Housing seat, said he voted for the tax breaks partly to show solidarity among commission members. "No disrespect to Chief Executive Evans. I think he does a great job for the county," Wilson said, adding that the commission has to stand strong or risk being pushed around.

Evans said he will work with the commission on the data center plan going forward. Van Buren Township officials are scheduled to consider the project's final site plan in about two weeks.

On the field, the Detroit Lions will play in a nationally televised Sunday night game on NBC against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Lions are 2-1 and will look to build on their last win over the 1-2 Panthers. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m.

For weekend entertainment, the UniverSoul Circus is performing at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, with its first show Friday at 7 p.m. The lineup includes Detroit's own Fresh the Clownsss, who blends Detroit Jit dancing with high-energy clowning. Additional October performances are listed on the circus's schedule.